You probably already know the difference between organic and non-organic foods, and have seen your share of the organic type at your supermarket. It's easy to tell which items are certified organic by the USDA. These have different packages and cost a bit more. In this article, we will offer your some essential gardening tips that can help you to save more by growing organic products at home.
The handles on your gardening tools can be used as a convenient measuring instrument. Tools with substantial handles, like rakes, hoes and large shovels are great for taking measurements. After laying the handles on the floor, run the measuring tape along beside them. Mark your distances with a permanent marker. When you are gardening next, you'll have a ruler beside you at all times.
Use your tool handles as rulers in the garden. Large handled tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes can be used as measuring sticks. Lay the handles of said tools on the ground where it is flat and there is no interference, such as gravel, and stretch a measuring tape along one side. Mark your distances with a permanent marker. Now, the next time you're down in the garden, you'll have a handy ruler without needing to look anywhere else.
Using boiling water to kill weeds is both efficient and organic. Boiling water is a very safe alternative to other potent herbicides. All you need to do is apply boiling water right to the weeds you want to get rid of. Be careful not to get any on the plants you want to keep. What this does it essentially kill the weeds by damaging their roots. The result is that those weeds are unlikely to regrow.
To keep pests away, you can use plants in the garden or other natural materials. Onions and marigolds can help to deter slugs. Insects can be deterred if you use wood ash instead of mulch around trees and shrub seedlings. Using these methods eliminates your need of chemical pesticides.
Tender deciduous shrubs are very fragile, so protect them. Cold weather significantly affects these plants, especially if they are in pots. Pull the canes together at the top and securely tie them. Next, using a sheet or perhaps even a blanket, cover the structure. Doing this is a lot more effective than wrapping up the plant with plastic because it lets air circulate, which could avoid any rotting.
If you have a problem with your dog disturbing your garden, you can repel him by spraying perfume or other scents on the grass near the edge. Your dog will be less attracted to your garden when these scents overpower compost scents and other smells dogs like.
The sun can cause irreparable skin damage; therefore, it is essential to dress accordingly when gardening. Always apply sunscreen with an adequate SPF level. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Finally, throw on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your scalp. Protecting yourself from the sun will lower the possibility of sunburn and skin cancer.
Ward off certain diseases that plague plants with the use of aspirin. Try dissolving around one and one half aspirins into around 2 gallons of water for your plants. You can simply spray them with the mixture to help aid them in fighting off diseases. Apply this solution to your plants every few weeks.
As mentioned earlier, the art of gardening means that your dining table can have fresh and tasty vegetables and fruits, that you grow in your own garden. When you can include the fruits of your labor in your meals, you'll be proud and satisfied. Practice the tips you've read here to enhance your experience and grow an amazing garden!